in July 17 my husband had a panandoscopy biopsy which confirmed base of tongue cancer,the day after the biopsy & weeks before 6 weeks of radio/chemo started he has been unable to speak properly(has a lisp),tongue is raised one side,therefore unable to swallow easily & cant push food out with his tongue on one side. The Chemo/radiotherapy finished 24th Oct 17 he made himself come of the RIG & has been really trying to eat but has very little taste buds. He now has ‘Graves Disease, that he’s had twice previously,causing him to loose more weight, but even by drinking the shakes they give him,everything tastes disgusting. He has the ‘pet scan, in Feb. Could his tongue be permanently damaged? The doctor who performed the panandoscopy said not, but it must be. Has anyone else had problems with their tongue since having one?

I am very sorry to learn about the problems your husband has been having. I imagine he has had a tough time and so have you.

I’m afraid I don’t know whether or not these problems could be permanent. Unfortunately, after chemoradiation some people do have long term taste changes. And some degree of difficulty with swallowing and/or speaking can linger. But it is still quite early days and I think just now short term chemoradiation side effects are still a part of the picture, so things could carry on improving in the months ahead.

I take your point that some of your husband’s problems seem to have stemmed from the time of the biopsy. A biopsy can cause swelling and pain which can both hinder normal movement. And the cancer itself can cause damage. Biopsies usually remove only very small amounts of tissue. A biopsy can cause a little bit of tissue damage but it sounds like the specialist doesn’t think this could account for the problems your husband had before starting treatment.

I expect your husband has had some input from a speech therapist. I think they would be a good person to talk to about this and may be able to offer you both some encouragement.

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